Falconcast: Redskins Preview

The ultimate goal is the playoffs, but this week’s target is to avoid a bona fide losing streak.
The Atlanta Falcons entered last week’s game against New Orleans having never lost back-to-back games in Mike Smith’s tenure as head coach. But, at the hands of the Saints, the Birds lost for the second time in two weeks.
Three in a row would put the team in some bad company — .500 at the halfway point with ground to make up.
The Falcons were 4-3 at this point last season as well but no time like the present (or a game against a 2-5 team with struggles on offense and the front office) to get back on track.
Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) talked about this and other topics in a new edition of Falconcast.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-REDSKINS PREVIEW
While the Falcons match up well on paper with the Redskins — a team that hasn’t scored more than 17 points and fumbled 20 times — games at the Georgia Dome are played on turf.
Washington has the league’s fifth-best scoring defense and, while the record may not show it, the Redskins have been in games. All the team’s losses have come by 10 points or less.
Some things to keep in mind when you take a look at this week’s Keys to the Game:
- Attack the Redskins defense. There are Pro Bowlers at key Redskins positions. There are big names at others. That’s no reason to abandon the running game. Running back Michael Turner rushed for 151 yards and a score last week. A good running game will soften Washington’s No. 2-ranked pass defense. Keep in mind Roddy White had a 100-yard game in New Orleans and a 200-yard game when Turner rushed for three scores in San Francisco. Balance can be achieved.
- Win the special teams battle. You’ve probably heard of DeAngelo Hall, Sanrana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. They have one thing in common. They’re all listed on the depth chart as punt returners.
- Keep the intensity. Last season when the Falcons scored first the team went 11-1. This season, the record is 2-3. The only way that happens is if, like Smith said, the effort lacks after the opening minutes. Keep up the pressure on offense and defense — Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has been sacked 20 times — and you avoid a third-straight loss.
MORE FALCONS-REDSKINS COVERAGE:
- GAMEDAY LIVE: More coverage in this special section of AtlantaFalcons.com
- GAME PREVIEW: More thoughts on the game from AF.com’s John Manasso
- GAME NOTES: Stats, fun facts and jersey information for Falcons-Redskins
- WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Some things you may not have known about this matchup
- J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com Managing Editor
- INJURY REPORT: Click here for the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report
- GAME INFO: Pregame festivities and halftime entertainment information
- EXPERT’S TAKE: Trotter’s thoughts on the Falcons, NFL after eight weeks
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